2015 In Review
It got lengthy, so my review of 2015 is at the bottom – but let’s summarize to say, I effectively completed 3 of 5 goals with some caveats. I also completed… NONE of my bucket list. At least none of the planned bucket list items. Of the 9 bucket list items, I may have loosely filled one. My career and priorities took a shift in 2015, which did leave less time and focus for recreational bucket-list items (there goes that whole “Balance” convo). As far as balance goes, I’ll side with NYC’s most connected CEO, Hank Greenberg. Feel free to read through Four Block’s Twitter feed for reference.
Also – in an effort to ensure I am writing, and thoroughly thinking through my goals and bucket list for 2016, I am only going to review 2015 in this post. I’ll be sure to follow up with a list of Goals and a Bucket List for 2016 to which you can hold me accountable.
Unplanned Accomplishments in 2015
It is important to make goals – even at the risk of setting goals you fail to accomplish. It can only do two things. First, it sets you up with a small dose of ambition & focus to accomplish something. Second, after measuring what was/wasn’t accomplished you can take a look at how your ACTIONS have demonstrated your priorities and how well that lines up with what you verbalize (New managers should really take note and think about that last line – because your direct reports certainly will).
There are many goals and bucket list items that I did not accomplish in 2015. I did find that my aspiration to obtain them had an impact on making other – unpredicted accomplishments. Here are some of mine that I don’t reference in my review:
- Built a Bar height Table using with reclaimed wood. It was fun, although I wouldn’t call it a “large wooden furniture piece”. I did get to work with epoxy for the first time.
- Bought Road Bike – Started cycling (lightly). I never thought I would, but cycling has been a great addition for me, and my family. It allows me to burn a couple calories while ensuring my kids stay active. It’s a personal development activity, and can also be a family activity.
- Public Speaking events. It may not sound humble, but I get SUCH a thrill doing speaking events.
- SVA NatCon 2015 – Lucky enough to be on the Campus Culture Panel with Michael Stack of the SVA and MOH recipient Kyle Carpenter, all while in front of 1200 amazing Veterans.
- Tri-State National Diversity Council – it was an inaugural event, and I was able to speak as the keynote on Diversity and Veterans.
- UCONN EBV – Networking for Veterans. This was similar to the role I fill now, but such a humbling experience to be asked to teach “Networking for Veterans” at the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans at the University of Connecticut.
- Christmas Presents for Kids. A misnomer, but a big deal. Not a big deal to get them presents, but to actually know what they are interested in and if the presents would be enjoyed. Learning how to be present as a Dad and Husband is something I have to actively work on. When gift time comes, my wife sends me a list of ideas for herself (at my request) and she lets me know what “we” got the kids for Christmas. This year, I was much more active in identifying appropriate gifts. With 9 of our 11 years of marriage taking place while I was in the military, I wasn’t held accountable for being present. So I guess that’s part of the transition process.
2015 Bucket List (in review):
I did not buy a small fishing boat – but that was a matter of priorities. Instead, we spent the money on house renovations. It increased the value of our home, and gave me something to do that required craftsmanship. I’ve completed all of our home renovations, personally.
I also did not build a large wooden furniture item. I did however, refinish our kitchen cabinets where I gained experience with more miter saw work and trim-detailing.
For the remaining list of my failed bucket list items – take a look at 2014’s Review and 2015 goals here.
2015 Goals:
Record & Complete One full Song (INCOMPLETE) Well, that’s the short way to say it – I just didn’t get this done. To be honest, I think I probably spent less than 20 hours TOTAL, in the entire year, working on any sort of musical production (unless singing while driving counts…?). This was a goal that was carried over from 2015 as well… this may be a sign, that I have not actively made it a priority. I won’t be carrying this goal into 2016.
Return to a Committed Philanthropic Role (with Transitioning Veterans) (COMPLETE) Well – I nailed this, and further out of the park than I could have imagined. As of April 2015, I didn’t just return to a volunteer role – I left “Wall Street” and took on the role as Program Director for Four Block Foundation in New York City. It’s a 501(c)3 organization that (if I may say so myself) is the premier organization changing the Veteran narrative and increasing the success of transitioning Veterans entering corporate America. Make no mistake about it, Four Block is effecting the lives of many Veterans, and is influencing the future of our nation’s business leaders.
Run the Spartan Trifecta 2015, Tough Mudder 2015 x2 (INCOMPLETE) Peaks and valleys, right? I only ran
one Spartan race, and that was a Sprint – no big challenge there. I also only ran Tough Mudder once – compared to my “x2” goal. With my move to Four Block I was able to make a fund-raising event of the Tough Mudder – and I will be looking forward to doing so again in 2016, so keep an eye out!
Confirm Education and Professional Value Building Plan (COMPLETE* with caveats).
Well, my move to Four Block has done a lot. It’s made me feel the most satisfaction with my career that I have had since taking off the uniform. In a way, it’s what a friend and incredibly ambitious and inspiring fellow Veteran once coined as “getting my ‘give a damn’ back”. Having a sense of purpose is like consuming the energy drink that Red Bull, Rockstar and Monster all wish they could develop. It’s a surge of “get’r dun” that flows through you. But to address the goal – I’ve began my MBA at NYU Stern, I’ve actively sought responsibility at Four Block that takes me OUT of my comfort zone as a professional- and I am seeing responsibility and empowerment to complete my role as a regional/city director that is far more encompassing than I had in my previous role (and I enjoyed my previous role – but it just doesn’t compare).
Get promoted and/or apply to AND Take on an advanced role (COMPLETE* with a twist). Well, I’ll leave the nuances where they belong – but in order to see the promotion, growth, development and load of responsibilities that come with it – I moved externally. As a career coach and advisor, sometimes that is the move to make. We have ambitious goals at Four Block – which I fully intend to promote. Looking at our stake-holders, they deserve nothing less.
Happy New Year – and Keep Achieving!
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